Johns Creek resident Michelle Hanchey, CEO of 8ight, placed first in the humorous speech contest at the Atlanta MasterCrafters Toastmasters Club of Johns Creek and at the area contest where Toastmasters members from different local clubs competed against each other for the title of most humorous speaker.

She advances to the division contest, which represents more than hundreds of Toastmasters in the north Atlanta metro area.

“Toastmasters speech contests are another way to build your confidence, because you sharpen your skills and speak to many different audiences,” Hanchey said in a news release. “I am looking forward to competing on a much larger stage in a few weeks.”

The speech at the club level touched on her constant battle with the nagging and passive Michelle that lives in her.

Hanchey used humor, passion and words of wisdom for the audience. When it comes to connecting with an audience, she said the key is to have a storyline with conflict and resolution.

Hanchey joined Toastmasters to become a better speaker and to mentor others in leadership at work and in the community. She received her Distinguished Toastmaster award in April 2013.

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